Stimulus Check Update: 10 Million Americans Still Eligible To Receive Past Payment

As many as 10 million people across the United States are still eligible to receive relief checks from past COVID-19 stimulus programs if they complete a tax return, according to an internal watchdog.

Americans who have little to no income and are not required to pay taxes would need to file a simplified tax return to get their payments. They have until Nov. 15 to complete their tax returns, according to a blog post published Tuesday by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).

"Throughout the pandemic, IRS and Treasury struggled to get COVID-relief payments into the hands of some people—especially those with lower incomes, limited internet access, or experiencing homelessness. Based on IRS and Treasury data, there could be between 9-10 million eligible individuals who have not yet received those payments," the blog post read.

Taxpayers who have yet to receive their checks may also claim the payments. However, they only have until Oct. 17 to file their tax return.

In the blog post, the GAO noted that people without tax returns, first-time filers, mixed-immigrant status families, individuals with limited to no internet access and homeless people may be among the groups of people who have yet to receive checks owed to them.

The GAO's blog post comes as gas prices are primed to keep rising after OPEC+ slashed output. As of Tuesday, the U.S. average for a gallon of gas stood at $3.92, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

The possible increase in gas prices is causing concern among many Mainers who worry they cannot keep their homes warm through the winter due to the rising cost of heating oil and general inflation.

"We always hear from our struggling neighbors, friends and family members about winter and how hard it is, but we've not heard concern like we are hearing this year," Kara Hay, CEO of non-profit Penquis, told Fox News. "And what we're hearing is 'We don't know how we're going to make it.'"

As of Oct. 3, the cost of heating oil in Maine averaged about $4.35. The price is more than a 50% year-over-year increase, as per the U.S. Energy Information Administration.